The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is scheduled to open its door in late 2017 and last week Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture accompanied the Four Seasons Team on a visit to the island to see the progress of the construction.

Earlier this year it was announced that Four Seasons will manage the only resort offering on the remote tropical island of Desroches in the Seychelles. After undergoing extensive renovations, the existing property is scheduled to re-open in 2017 as Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island.

Situated on the outer edge of the Indian Ocean’s archipelago, Desroches Island is located among the Amirantes Islands, a 35 minute flight (240 kilometres/150 miles) southwest of Mahé. Boasting 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) of pristine white-sand beaches, lush coconut groves, crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, the island is a remote and tranquil oasis just five degrees south of the equator.

PS Anne Lafortune said that she was impressed by the work being undertaken. “We spent time to be well acquainted with the plans and then to see the works on the ground. It is always important for the Department of Tourism to be monitoring reconstruction or extensive renovation works at our hotels and resorts. As we are planning to bring in hotel classification programs in 2017 it is important to be able to discuss with hotel teams such criteria as they are re-building or renovating their properties” said PS Lafortune after her visit to Desroches Island.

Featuring 40 exclusive beach suites and 11 private residence villas, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is set to be one of the company’s most intimate properties. With direct access to unspoiled beaches and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the Resort’s suites will also feature private plunge pools, tropical gardens and luxurious outdoor living spaces. Ali Albwardy, Chairman and Founder of Albwardy Investment and Chairman of Desroches Island Developments Limited said that “The Seychelles has always held a special place in my heart and has been a favourite holiday destination for our family for many years. I fell in love with Desroches from the first moment that I set foot on the remote, unspoiled and beautiful island, and knew immediately that Desroches would perfectly complement Four Seasons Resort Seychelles in Mahé. Bringing Four Seasons to an outer island is a culmination of my own dreams, as well as a great legacy and accolade to the Islands Development Company (IDC), who are entrusted with preserving and promoting this piece of paradise. We look forward to many years of sunshine and success as we partner with the IDC to create something magical on an already magnificent island.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to extend our presence in the Seychelles and build on our successful partnership with Albwardy Investment, the owner of several Four Seasons properties around the world,” says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

“Four Seasons Resort Seychelles in Mahé is one of the most desirable resorts in our global portfolio, and we look forward to deepening our commitment to this important destination with the addition of a second property,” continues Smith. “Together with Desroches Island Developments Limited we are creating something unique and special on Desroches Island, a true island hideaway that delivers the highest standards of quality and the most genuine and personal service – the markers of a Four Seasons stay the world over.”

The Resort will feature two restaurants and a lounge bar, providing an array of exciting food and beverage offerings in a casual, beachfront setting. For guests looking to relax and rejuvenate in the island’s untouched tranquillity, the Resort will also feature an expanded six-suite spa offering locally-inspired treatments and wellness classes. The glass-like waters of the Indian Ocean and surrounding reefs also make for world-class diving, fishing, snorkelling and water sports, while the inland forests and coconut trees provide picturesque paths for cycling and hiking. For guests looking to explore the many natural wonders of the Indian Ocean, the island will also include a Marine Conservation Discovery Centre and Giant Tortoise Sanctuary.

The second Four Seasons property to open in the Seychelles, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island will join the company’s exclusive collection of island resorts in destinations including the Maldives, Mauritius, Koh Samui, Hawaii, Bali, Langkawi, Nevis and Bora Bora.

Desroches Island Developments Limited is the owner and developer for Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, like its sister company Petite Anse Developments Limited who have been established in the Seychelles since early 2003, the owner and developer of Four Seasons Private Residences Seychelles.

Albwardy Investment is one of Dubai’s leading investment groups with interests worldwide. In addition to hotels in London, Dubai, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Serengeti, it owns Four Seasons properties in Buenos Aires, Serengeti and Johannesburg.

The developer, along with their internationally acclaimed associates, has led the Seychelles’ most prestigious development at Petite Anse, Mahé, the Seychelles main island – a development that has been applauded within the industry for conquering the challenges of this most dramatic setting, and that now sets them up for the development of this Four Seasons sister property on Desroches Island.